Those classes were a great decision and hopefully helped you through socialization and puppy basics.


But your dog has grown and changed and so continuing his education with adult dog training lessons makes sense.


With each day that passes, either you are training your dog or your dog is training you!


Learning new techniques that will be applicable for your dog’s lifetime will allow you to tackle anything that comes up later with confidence.

That’s ok, and it’s never too late to start.


It may take a couple of weeks in order to achieve that Light Bulb Moment, but the language of the clicker is understood so much faster in novice dogs than voice commands and verbal praise alone.

Group classes have their pros and cons.


With private dog training lessons, you get to address your unique needs one-on-one with a trainer who will take the time to make sure your skills are complete.


I also offer support between sessions which you would not find in a group setting.


Private training at Companion Avenue is 100% customized so that the lesson plan never covers behaviours that you don’t need.

While real change of an established problem behaviour takes time (think months, not weeks), you will be provided with management strategies to get you out of sticky spots immediately until the training can take shape.


Remember that your dog is only doing what he believes to work and we are about to change the rules.


It’s like therapy; it will involve feelings for your dog that we will need to work through.

No, the clicker is a teaching tool that is invaluable for learning new behaviours, but once the skill is solid for the dog, a verbal marker such as “yes” can be substituted.


You’ll need to continue to reinforce your dog to keep the behaviour strong, but you aren’t married to the clicker indefinitely.

Yes.

We begin indoors to limit distraction to help your puppy learn new behaviours, then we will gradually add-in more distractions in the outdoors in order to set up your puppy for success at all stages.

The beauty of the clicker is that it lends itself to all ages and abilities.


If you are concerned about having to use your hands, a whistle can be substituted, and for those who worry that they cannot hear the clicker themselves, the feel of it is unmistakable.


I have experience working with people from the Deaf community and clients with ASD, and welcome those with other challenges.


If mobility is an issue, I can come to your home for the sessions as I routinely do so with any student.

Through clicker training, all is possible.


Preparation for Canine Good Neighbour testing and St. John’s Ambulance therapy dog testing can begin once your have a few foundation behaviours well established.


I can also help you to prepare for a Rally Novice trial put on by the Canadian Kennel Club or a Trick Dog Title through Do More With Your Dog!


And of course, training just for the love of your dog and the process is a worthy goal all on its own, too.